FORT MYERS, Fla. – FGCU mounted a late rally in the eighth inning, pushing across three runs but stranded five over the final two innings in a 7-3 loss to a USF team that is knocking on the door of being ranked.

USF (21-4) scored a run in the fifth but took charge in the sixth, scoring six runs on just one hit in the frame. The Bulls were shut out in every other inning.

Defensively, the Eagles (17-8) held their ground, turning two double plays – the most in a single game this season. FGCU limited USF, a team leading The American and ranked in the top-40 nationally in stolen bases, to just one swipe in the contest. The Green & Blue also held USF to just two extra-base hits in the contest – both of them doubles – when the Bulls visited Fort Myers with 68 extra-base hits to their credit entering the game.

Wilfred Gonzalez continued his recent offensive explosion, collecting his 25^th hit over the past 14 games and tied a career-best three hits in the game while scoring a run and drawing a walk.

Javier Gorostola extended his record hitting streak to 43 games in a 2-for-4 performance, driving in two runs while recording two impressive putouts in the field from the hot corner. Evan Dempsey also posted a 2-for-4 day at the plate.

Despite boasting a threatening lineup, only one USF player managed multiple hits. Eli Thomas went 2-for-4 to lead the Bulls, with two runs driven in.

Logan Baisley (0-2) was charged with the loss after allowing three runs on no hits while walking two as he faced three batters in the sixth. Jonah Sarabia (1-0) claimed the win after holding the Eagles hitless while facing four batters in 1 1/3 innings. Ethan Sutton (5), entering as FGCU threatened in the eighth, claimed his fifth save of the year as he struck out three of the six batters he faced.

South Florida broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning with an RBI double down the left field line by Thomas, bringing in Bradke Lohry after he had walked and stolen second base.

In the sixth inning, South Florida extended its lead significantly, adding six runs. The inning featured an RBI walk by Jacob Green, an RBI hit by pitch by Jevin Relaford, and a two-RBI single by Pruitt. A wild pitch scored another run, followed by a sacrifice fly by Thomas to cap the scoring. At the end of the sixth, the Eagles trailed 7–0.

Florida Gulf Coast responded in the eighth inning, starting with Sebastian Lippman drawing a walk. Keaton Kangas singled, and both runners advanced on a subsequent walk to Gonzalez. Gorostola then delivered a two-RBI single to left field, plating Lippman and Kangas. Gonzalez scored on a fielding error, bringing the score to 7–3 in favor of South Florida through eight innings.

FGCU remains at home and returns to ASUN play when Stetson visits Swanson Stadium for a three-game series this weekend, beginning on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
 
FGCU GIVE DAY 2026 LAUNCHES MARCH 25 AT NOON 
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Game Notes:
- Dempsey recorded a season-high total of 6 putouts.
- Jaret Nelson recorded 2 walks, exceeding his career average of 0.46.
- Javier Gorostola extended his program-record hitting streak to 43 games.
- Gorostola recorded at least 2 hits in 2 consecutive games.
- Gorostola achieved a minimum of 2 runs batted in over 2 straight games.
- Aluko achieved 2 fielding assists for the first time this season.
- Aluko pitched 3 innings for the first time this season.
- Aluko pitched a season-high 3 innings.
- Aluko struck out 2 batters, achieving a season high.